Just, um, getting that out there...
...not really sure where to start. I supposed I will introduce myself. Be forewarned, I'm about to ramble quite a lot.
I'm nearly 22 and have been smoking since I turned 17, so I'm going on 5 years as a smoker now. Between an oft-debauched lifestyle and several boring, menial jobs which allowed me ample time and freedom to smoke, I managed to get up to a pack and a half per day, which is what I've been at for well over a year.
Self-improvement has been sort of theme for this past year and a half. I suppose that to live is to grow, but I mean to say that I've really been fixated on changing myself in step with the adoption of a predominantly existentialist philosophy. I'm proud to say I've made vast improvements in my life, my thinking, and my habits... ...save for the worst one. Guess what that habit might be.
Lately, I've been approaching what I feel to be my physical prime and just generally getting more manly. This is partially because I'm in my early twenties and partially because I've been consistently working out and eating healthier for almost two years now. The irony of sitting down to smoke a cigarette after a rigorous 15-mile, high-intensity bike ride is just too palpable for me at this point. Every time I do that, I am reminded of how hard I've been working, other addictions I've beat along the way, how much stronger I've become as a person, and most importantly, how silly it is that I still continue with this nasty habit in spite of it all. There's simply no reason for the continued indulgence at this point. I derive little to no enjoyment from 90% of the cigarettes I smoke on a given day. And the other 10% are still overshadowed by the guilt I feel over what I'm all too knowingly doing to myself. In a sense, it is worse when I'm actually enjoying it.
Plus, I figure I should quit while I'm ahead with my blood pressure being ~115/65 and my resting pulse, a cool 60bpm. I'm sick of my chest feeling constricted when I'm hitting my limit, I'm trying to put on 15 more lbs, and I've been thinking I'd like my full sense of taste and smell back for a while now. Aside from the nasty aspects of the habit, I don't have it too bad yet and I would like to keep it that way. I can't help but think that it would be best to at least switch while my body is still growing and thus as capable of making repairs as it will ever be. The idea of becoming healthier than I am now is very appealing to me. I was already doing well as a smoker. It makes me really want to find out just what this body is capable of without analogs to weigh it down.
With the omittance of one cigarette that I bummed to see what it would be like after being free of analogs for a few days with my resolve at its highest point yet, I have not smoked in nearly two weeks. I'm not counting the days exactly because that did more harm than good when I tried quitting cold-turkey. I'm not making an event out of this. Before taking the plunge, I spent time each day passively cultivating a healthy intellectual interest in all things PV-related (feeding my inner-nerd) as I continued smoking--looking in the direction I wanted to go without so much as considering moving an inch. I looked into whatever my level of interest at the time allowed--no more and no less. If I was to switch, I would switch. If not, then I was at the very least exploring my options. You could say I was tricking myself into taking up this alternative. I made it a point to take the time to objectively think and question myself without really stressing the need for action too much. Action, I knew would follow the proper mindset naturally. I wanted to approach the issue with a serene sort of non-attachment. In order to become a full-time vaper, you must first allow the vapor to flow through you. XD Ultimately, my decision to order my first setup was done on impulse. It felt right at the time, I wanted the setup and it was cheap, so it was a no-brainier. I didn't bother to think or plan because I can do that forever and my ADHD makes it harder for me to make a plan and stick to it than it does for me to just up and do something with little forethought. That's how I became a smoker and that's how I'll cease to be a smoker.
It sort of reminds me of those moving platforms in super mario. You have to wait for them to float on over before you jump or you'll fall to your doom. So in the meantime, you can only watch and wait for the time to jump. From there, you just ride it slowly to the next island. The platform recently came to its closest point and it just so happens that my finger was already on the button. That's what patience means when it comes to quitting, for me anyway. It doesn't allude to perseverance so much as it does timing. I don't think there's any convenient time to quit/switch and it certainly does take ample amounts of will and determination, but there are certainly times when it will be more difficult. I consider not stressing and waiting for that moment when I'm best equipped to switch a simple matter of putting my best foot forward.
Now, I've tried e-cigs before. I first tried one before disposables were around. I can't remember the brand, but it was store bought and it was a piece of crap. When the disposables came around, I thought I'd give a few a try. The original Njoy and the Blu disposables were particularly okay, though not satisfying enough to make me toss a pack. Then, came the Njoy King. That little device sold me on e-cigs. I was alternating between those and increasingly fewer analogs for around a month. I'm still holding out for a rechargeable version. Those things just don't last long enough for the price.
But anywho, that's what sent me on the quest that led me here. It's a great community you all have here. It has everything any vaper of any experience level could possibly need! From news, to in-depth practical and technical info, to vendors, and even support/advice--you've really got it all. I've been lovin' me some lurking here. If anything, this site is what has really got me hooked on vaping. I had no idea there was so much to it and so many different options out there to discover! When I was transitioning and found myself craving analogs on those sleepless nights, I instead devoted my energies to lurking here. I've since learned to view smoking as but a habit, whereas vaping can be more of a hobby (though it of course doesn't have to be.) I really like that aspect of it in that it can provide something that cigarettes can't. vaping not only fulfills a more primal, physical urge, but also has an engaging mental aspect to it that keeps things interesting. It's easier to stick to because it's an interest you can invest yourself in. You just smoke cigs. You get into vaping.
I can safely say that I feel I'm thoroughly over the transitional hump at this point, although it may seem a bit soon. Most all of my friends smoke but I don't feel the least bit tempted when I'm around them. I don't mind the nicotine so much. It's everything else that's really detrimental. It's gotten to the point where I truly do not want an analog. There aren't words for how liberating that feels. I like not being so forcefully aware of my imminent and self-induced physical decline as I get my simple nicotine fix. Already, the difference in my day-to-day has become quite apparent. When I lay down, I can fully breath through my nose. I thought I was solid on my bike before, but man, my stamina has gone through the roof. I hop on that thing and just go! I'm surpassing my physical benchmarks at an astounding rate. I can feel myself breathing more calmly and easily. I swear my energy levels have even gone up. I'm also enjoying many foods to a degree I forgot was possible.
The thing I most don't miss is all of the coughing and spitting.
Also, anything that you can have all sorts of gear for is definitely my thing. The dizzying amount of options and allowance for technicality is not a hindrance for me. That's a bonus in my book! I like to assess and tweak stuff.
Suffice to say, I'm not looking back. I'm a vaper now! I love my 650mAh Volt X2/T3 setup. I know that going with an 808 limits my options a bit, but for the price I paid, the performance I'm getting, and the colors, I don't mind. The thing is straight up neat. Eventually, I'll get a 501 or eGo batt and begin exploring a wider range of clearomizers, tanks, atty's, etc. For now, 2 X2's and cigalikes for when I go out will do. Honestly, I love the volts! They are doing it for me for now, though I can already see myself getting into mods and VV batts soon enough.
Kinda out of things to say now... ...sup peeps? I guess I'll be spending the rest of my time in the newbie isolation camp asking what will probably be pretty dumb questions.
...not really sure where to start. I supposed I will introduce myself. Be forewarned, I'm about to ramble quite a lot.
I'm nearly 22 and have been smoking since I turned 17, so I'm going on 5 years as a smoker now. Between an oft-debauched lifestyle and several boring, menial jobs which allowed me ample time and freedom to smoke, I managed to get up to a pack and a half per day, which is what I've been at for well over a year.
Self-improvement has been sort of theme for this past year and a half. I suppose that to live is to grow, but I mean to say that I've really been fixated on changing myself in step with the adoption of a predominantly existentialist philosophy. I'm proud to say I've made vast improvements in my life, my thinking, and my habits... ...save for the worst one. Guess what that habit might be.
Lately, I've been approaching what I feel to be my physical prime and just generally getting more manly. This is partially because I'm in my early twenties and partially because I've been consistently working out and eating healthier for almost two years now. The irony of sitting down to smoke a cigarette after a rigorous 15-mile, high-intensity bike ride is just too palpable for me at this point. Every time I do that, I am reminded of how hard I've been working, other addictions I've beat along the way, how much stronger I've become as a person, and most importantly, how silly it is that I still continue with this nasty habit in spite of it all. There's simply no reason for the continued indulgence at this point. I derive little to no enjoyment from 90% of the cigarettes I smoke on a given day. And the other 10% are still overshadowed by the guilt I feel over what I'm all too knowingly doing to myself. In a sense, it is worse when I'm actually enjoying it.
Plus, I figure I should quit while I'm ahead with my blood pressure being ~115/65 and my resting pulse, a cool 60bpm. I'm sick of my chest feeling constricted when I'm hitting my limit, I'm trying to put on 15 more lbs, and I've been thinking I'd like my full sense of taste and smell back for a while now. Aside from the nasty aspects of the habit, I don't have it too bad yet and I would like to keep it that way. I can't help but think that it would be best to at least switch while my body is still growing and thus as capable of making repairs as it will ever be. The idea of becoming healthier than I am now is very appealing to me. I was already doing well as a smoker. It makes me really want to find out just what this body is capable of without analogs to weigh it down.
With the omittance of one cigarette that I bummed to see what it would be like after being free of analogs for a few days with my resolve at its highest point yet, I have not smoked in nearly two weeks. I'm not counting the days exactly because that did more harm than good when I tried quitting cold-turkey. I'm not making an event out of this. Before taking the plunge, I spent time each day passively cultivating a healthy intellectual interest in all things PV-related (feeding my inner-nerd) as I continued smoking--looking in the direction I wanted to go without so much as considering moving an inch. I looked into whatever my level of interest at the time allowed--no more and no less. If I was to switch, I would switch. If not, then I was at the very least exploring my options. You could say I was tricking myself into taking up this alternative. I made it a point to take the time to objectively think and question myself without really stressing the need for action too much. Action, I knew would follow the proper mindset naturally. I wanted to approach the issue with a serene sort of non-attachment. In order to become a full-time vaper, you must first allow the vapor to flow through you. XD Ultimately, my decision to order my first setup was done on impulse. It felt right at the time, I wanted the setup and it was cheap, so it was a no-brainier. I didn't bother to think or plan because I can do that forever and my ADHD makes it harder for me to make a plan and stick to it than it does for me to just up and do something with little forethought. That's how I became a smoker and that's how I'll cease to be a smoker.
It sort of reminds me of those moving platforms in super mario. You have to wait for them to float on over before you jump or you'll fall to your doom. So in the meantime, you can only watch and wait for the time to jump. From there, you just ride it slowly to the next island. The platform recently came to its closest point and it just so happens that my finger was already on the button. That's what patience means when it comes to quitting, for me anyway. It doesn't allude to perseverance so much as it does timing. I don't think there's any convenient time to quit/switch and it certainly does take ample amounts of will and determination, but there are certainly times when it will be more difficult. I consider not stressing and waiting for that moment when I'm best equipped to switch a simple matter of putting my best foot forward.
Now, I've tried e-cigs before. I first tried one before disposables were around. I can't remember the brand, but it was store bought and it was a piece of crap. When the disposables came around, I thought I'd give a few a try. The original Njoy and the Blu disposables were particularly okay, though not satisfying enough to make me toss a pack. Then, came the Njoy King. That little device sold me on e-cigs. I was alternating between those and increasingly fewer analogs for around a month. I'm still holding out for a rechargeable version. Those things just don't last long enough for the price.
But anywho, that's what sent me on the quest that led me here. It's a great community you all have here. It has everything any vaper of any experience level could possibly need! From news, to in-depth practical and technical info, to vendors, and even support/advice--you've really got it all. I've been lovin' me some lurking here. If anything, this site is what has really got me hooked on vaping. I had no idea there was so much to it and so many different options out there to discover! When I was transitioning and found myself craving analogs on those sleepless nights, I instead devoted my energies to lurking here. I've since learned to view smoking as but a habit, whereas vaping can be more of a hobby (though it of course doesn't have to be.) I really like that aspect of it in that it can provide something that cigarettes can't. vaping not only fulfills a more primal, physical urge, but also has an engaging mental aspect to it that keeps things interesting. It's easier to stick to because it's an interest you can invest yourself in. You just smoke cigs. You get into vaping.
I can safely say that I feel I'm thoroughly over the transitional hump at this point, although it may seem a bit soon. Most all of my friends smoke but I don't feel the least bit tempted when I'm around them. I don't mind the nicotine so much. It's everything else that's really detrimental. It's gotten to the point where I truly do not want an analog. There aren't words for how liberating that feels. I like not being so forcefully aware of my imminent and self-induced physical decline as I get my simple nicotine fix. Already, the difference in my day-to-day has become quite apparent. When I lay down, I can fully breath through my nose. I thought I was solid on my bike before, but man, my stamina has gone through the roof. I hop on that thing and just go! I'm surpassing my physical benchmarks at an astounding rate. I can feel myself breathing more calmly and easily. I swear my energy levels have even gone up. I'm also enjoying many foods to a degree I forgot was possible.
The thing I most don't miss is all of the coughing and spitting.
Also, anything that you can have all sorts of gear for is definitely my thing. The dizzying amount of options and allowance for technicality is not a hindrance for me. That's a bonus in my book! I like to assess and tweak stuff.
Suffice to say, I'm not looking back. I'm a vaper now! I love my 650mAh Volt X2/T3 setup. I know that going with an 808 limits my options a bit, but for the price I paid, the performance I'm getting, and the colors, I don't mind. The thing is straight up neat. Eventually, I'll get a 501 or eGo batt and begin exploring a wider range of clearomizers, tanks, atty's, etc. For now, 2 X2's and cigalikes for when I go out will do. Honestly, I love the volts! They are doing it for me for now, though I can already see myself getting into mods and VV batts soon enough.
Kinda out of things to say now... ...sup peeps? I guess I'll be spending the rest of my time in the newbie isolation camp asking what will probably be pretty dumb questions.
May the Vape be with you.
